Indian-American doctor shot dead by friend, who commits suicide in Texas

Washington, June 15
Renowned  cardiologist Suresh Gadasalli, who performed the world's first simultaneous hybrid revascularisation, was shot dead by his friend and business associate who then committed suicide in Odesaa in Texas, police said.

Witnesses said 60-year-old Ayyasamy Thangam shot the 53-year-old Gadasalli multiple times on Thursday afternoon, according to an Odessa Police Department news release.

Thangam then closed the door of the room the two men were in and witnesses heard another single gunshot, it said.

Gadasalli was in the Odessa area since 1993, and became prominent by performing cutting-edge heart surgeries, helping open Alliance Hospital before it was purchased by Odessa Regional Medical Center in 2007, according to local OA online.

Gadasalli was named 'Community Statesman' in 1997 by the Heritage of Odessa Foundation.

He reportedly performed the world's first simultaneous hybrid revascularization, and he was nominated as "Super Doctor" by the Texas Monthly Magazine in 2008, it said.

Gadasalli was also previously investigated in a federal court case on a currency structuring charge, the news site said.

The FBI began their investigation into the Healthy Heart Center in June 2012.

Gadasalli was accused of violating federal law in structuring transactions to avoid reporting requirements, it said citing previous reports.

According to court records, Gadasalli's case was closed on January 22, 2014.

The community is at loss to understand what drove Thangam to storm into a clinic, shoot and kill Dr. Suresh Gadasalli then turn the gun on himself.

More and more information continues to come out about the shooter.

As to the question of motive, many rumors have been circulating as the reason for the shooting. On social media they range from money to more personal matters, but law enforcement says it's not that simple, according to cbs7.com

Odessa police say he did private business with Dr. Gadasalli and was also a patient.

Police report:

he following is a release from the Odessa Police Department:

"On June 10, 2015 at approximately 1633 hours, Odessa Police responded to the Healthy Heart Center in reference to an active shooter.

Upon arrival, officers immediately set a perimeter, formed a team and made entry into the building. Upon making entry into the building, several employees were immediately evacuated.

While searching the building, officers discovered two deceased male subjects inside, who had both sustained gunshot wounds.

The first deceased subject was identified as Dr. Suresh Gadasalli, 53 years of age. The second deceased subject was identified as Ayyasamy Thangam, 60 years of age, who was a patient and business associate of Godasalli. Next of kin has been notified.

Witnesses advised that Thangam shot Gadasalli multiple times and further advised that Thangam then closed the door to the room that he was in. A short time later, witnesses reported hearing a single gunshot.

Both decedents will be sent to Tarrant County for an autopsy. The Criminal Investigation Division and Texas Rangers are currently processing the scene.

The investigation continues."

Friday afternoon, two Odessa women left flowers and a special note in front of Healthy Heart Center, thanking Dr. Suresh Gadasalli for changing their lives, according to cbs7.com

Carol Smith and Marie Henderson say Dr. Gadasalli was more than just their physician—he was family.

"We just wanted our chance to say goodbye, and our chance to express condolences to his family, to his staff,” Henderson said. “I can't imagine the trauma they must have gone through at the time as well."

Both women had been going to his practice for several years.

Henderson was seen for multiple heart issues and Smith was at her husband's side for each one of his visits to Healthy Heart Center.

"I would be a widow right now if it weren't for Dr. Gadasalli," Smith said.

Back in 2007, Smith's husband was experiencing severe heart issues and says that Dr. Gadasalli flew back home from his vacation in India three days early to perform surgery—saving his life.

Because of Gadasalli, Smith says her husband gets to live out his dream.

"Dr. Gadasalli saw that his heart had full function, and he got his pilot license a little over a year after the surgery," Smith said.

Smith has a special message she'd like to share with the Gadasalli family.

"Just remember that your dad, your husband, he was an amazing, wonderful doctor,” Smith said. “He was very talented, not only in his medical profession, but also that he did bring understanding, concern, and deep compassion to his practice, and to his patients and that we all love him."

http://cbs7.com/news/article_e0b14d2e-1159-11e5-aa43-a39d430d8b08.html